Michael: Sussex tutor
Certified Tutor
In the past year I completed a pre-medical post-baccalaureate program at the Harvard Extension School and was accepted into the class of 2020 at the Tufts School of Medicine. I am passionate about helping other students navigate the pre-med process and achieve their goals with as little stress as possible. I believe that with a focused approach, getting the grades and test scores needed to get into medical school is fully possible, and that the process can sometimes even be enjoyable. My core tutoring subjects are biology and biochemistry, and as a tutor I focus on listening to students, explaining concepts clearly, and to helping students work through material at their own pace. In my free time I love to ski, hike and travel with my wife.
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Undergraduate Degree: Middlebury College - Bachelors, Economics
Skiing, Hiking, Traveling
- Biochemistry
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Biology
- College Biology
- Graduate Test Prep
- High School Biology
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Science
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
On a typical first session I would spend a substantial amount of time trying to understand the student's current situation and goals. Understanding where a student is at, and being familiar with their strengths and weaknesses, is critical to being an effective teacher.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I give students specific suggestions to improve their independent study habits. This could include making flashcards, doing practice problems, or changing how the student approaches new material. I feel that helping students learn how to learn well independently is enormously important.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
When a student is discouraged or struggling with a concept, I try to remind them of their strengths and areas that they have done well in, to boost their motivation and confidence.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
To keep a student excited and engaged, I would try to work in examples that relate to their own life, or to things that the student is interested in. I would also try to include quizzes and games as appropriate to keep a student engaged.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would have them work through problems (or explain concepts to me) entirely on their own, to make sure that they really understand the material and can work through material without my help.